“Thank you.”
“Have the laptop as well…”
My growl was low and dangerous, and she froze with the sleek black machine in her hands, her eyes widening. Even from across the room I could hear her heart speed up. Fear masked the stench of her anger.
“If you throw that, Briella, I'm going to take you across my knee and spank your ass until you can't sit down,” I warned. “You need to calm down.” Setting myself on the edge of the sofa, I plucked the laptop from her trembling hands, and started to scroll.
“Why don't you sit and…”
She glared at me and continued to stand there, frozen like a statue. Hiding my smile, I went back to the laptop.
Raze had been right; Briella had been busy. There were several folders. Each full of information that would put her in the path of some very powerful people. Leviathan included.
Wearily, I lifted my eyes to her. “Why have you been doing this?”
“Why? Isn't it obvious why? I want to know about your world. I want to know what kind of creatures took the children so I can get them back.”
“You can't get them back, Briella, they are gone.” I sat backwards, but my eyes never left her face.
“I don't believe that. Someone has to try and help them. You wouldn't.” The venom in her voice made me do a double take.
“If I could have helped them I would have.”
“Bullshit, Tommy.” She began to pace. Six steps to the edge of the rug, turn and another six steps back. I watched as she did; she was magnificent in her anger. This was a new side to her, one that I hadn't seen before, and I liked it.
I liked it a lot.
“You aren't to do this anymore, Briella.” My hands flew across the keys as I deleted file after file. “No more research on the paranormal, and no more going out and asking questions. If you want to know something, ask me.” My fingers paused. One last file.
A file with my name on it.
Bloody Bones.
“You researched me?”
“Stop deleting my stuff, Tommy. You have no right. No right.” Desperately, she tried to grab the laptop back. You can't stop me from doing this. I need to do it, why can't you understand? I got out and they didn't, and it's eating me up inside,” she wailed, ignoring me totally.
Dropping the laptop onto the couch cushion, I stood. Gathering her up into my arms, I smoothed back her hair.
“I am doing it to protect you. But you have to stop now. No one can help those children. And I won’t lose you to some foolish rescue attempt. If I have to lock you up to keep you out of harm's way I will.”
She scooted backwards. “Lock me up? Fucking lock me up like I am a pet or a prisoner? You're no better than Acco,” she spat.
Her words cut into me like a knife. Did she honestly think I was no better than that monster?
“I think I'm going to leave and let you calm down. I'll be back soon when you are calmer.”
She threw a cushion at the back of my head as I walked away, drawing my attention back to her.
“You want to know why I had a folder with your name on it, Tommy? Because I wanted to know about you; you won't tell me anything. All you want is sex.” She screamed the words at me. “And now I know why you won’t open up to me. You’re a fucking monster, Tommy. A hideous thing from my fucking nightmares!”
